Denard Robinson, the former University of Michigan quarterback, is about to be immortalized on the cover of EA Sports' NCAA Football 14. Denard Robinson, the current wide receiver/running back prospect, is working to make himself a lasting image in the NFL.

Robinson, at 5-10¼, 199 pounds, is one of the most intriguing players in the 2013 NFL Draft class. After he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds while working out with wideouts at the Scouting Combine, the question isn't whether he can play but where he will play and just how high he'll be drafted. He has been projected anywhere from the second to the sixth round.

It's nothing new for Michigan to produce QBs who thrive at the pro level, including one most notable sixth-rounder —Tom Brady. Robinson has the unusual challenge of switching positions. Not only has he taken the challenge head-on, he's enjoying every minute of the preparation process.

"It's been great for me because I just like to learn, and I've been learning a lot — catching the ball, doing kick returns and playing running back," Robinson said. "It's been a lot of fun with all the different stuff."

Robinson has been working hard with former Carolina Panthers wide receivers coach Richard Williamson. Williamson was key in helping the similarly sized Steve Smith, who is 5-9, 198 pounds, hit his stride as a top big-play wideout after Smith splashed onto the scene as an ace kick and punt returner.

For Robinson, it has been important to take one role at a time and not be overwhelmed by trying to crash-course everything.

"It's just about getting used to it, going out there and focusing on just that one position," Robinson said. "When I get to play running back, I focus on jump-cutting, doing the right things and making the moves when I get a chance. At receiver, I focus on coming out of breaks, running crisp routes and making sure I catch the ball. On returns, I'm focused on where the ball is coming and adjust to it like I should."

There is plenty of favorable recent history regarding "slash" players in the NFL, and Robinson has the dynamic athleticism to follow in line. Robinson has looked at a couple of players who had success in the NFL making a similar transition — current Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb and former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, whose Big Ten quarterback record for career rushing at Indiana was broken by Robinson.

While at Kentucky, Cobb, at 5-10, 192, did it all, first as a running quarterback, then as a return man before exploding at wide receiver. As a second-year, second-round wideout in Green Bay last season, Cobb broke out with 80 receptions for 954 yards and eight touchdowns.

Randle El, at 5-10, 190, found his niche as a No. 3 wideout for the Steelers but still was used as a passer on trick plays — like his Super Bowl XL touchdown throw to Hines Ward. Considering Cobb and Randle El have similar builds to Robinson, they represent fair comparisons.

"I can do some of the same things they can do. I just look at myself as a weapon," Robinson said. "Any position they put me at, I'm going to put all my energy and passion into being good there."

Although Robinson can't be featured as a virtual player in NCAA Football 14, he has played his share of Madden. He noted that the Baltimore Ravens virtual team was good to him when he threw to Anquan Boldin and ran with Ray Rice.

Boldin, now with the San Francisco 49ers, also had a college history at quarterback (Florida State) and has starred as a strong slot receiver throughout his career. Rice is a premier home-run threat out of the backfield.

Before Robinson gets his role redefined by an NFL team, he will simply be an athlete an offense needs to get on the field in some capacity. He will enter the NFL faster than Boldin and bigger than Rice. As you might expect from a video-game star, Robinson thinks scouts should be well aware of his own turbo button.

"Anybody that sees me on the field should see that this guy can go the distance any time he touches the ball," Robinson said. "They would say that I can make guys miss, I'm explosive and bring multiple things to the table."

The thrill of Robinson running around Wolverines opponents is gone, but seeing how he just won a vote of more than 5 million fans to grace the front of NCAA Football 14, his popularity hasn't waned. He might not get a chance to throw the ball in the NFL, but he has the potential to deliver the same brand of excitement.